Fig. 1. Finished trailer all ready to take the road, This trailer was designed to be drawn by An Easily-Built Cabin Trailer Let's Call It “TERRA CRUISER” Craft Print Project No. 89 PART |. IME was and not so long ago when trailers were heavy and hard to handle, and they offered little comfort or convenience to their owners. The changed demands of the traveling public, however, are adequately supplied today by this easily built streamlined trailer ‘Adapted to construction by homecraft workers, it is comparatively inexpensive, light in weight, and due to its efficient streamlining adds an in- significant burden to any auto. It has a distinc tive appearance. It provides ample space in- side and is adaptable for travel anywhere, any time, with comfort, convenience and safety. 538 In building the Terra Cruiser, Screce np Mz- cuanrcs has had the cooperation of both the Ham- mer Blow Tool Company and Trotwood Trailers, Inc. The complete under chassis (axle, springs, wheels, Warner electric brakes and controls), hitch, sink, pump, and beds were furnished to Mr. Jackson through the courtesy of Hammer Blow Tool Company. The “Step Action” axle was furnished by Trotwood Trailers so that Mr. Jack- son might design the body frame to fit either unit, as well as others which might be desired The basis of any safe and efficient trailer is the axle assembly, and this trailer is not an exception. This particular part should be se- lected carefully with a view towards not only easy riding qualities but the ability to track Scrence anv MzcuanicsFig, 2. "Terra Cruiser” is designed to take a1 popular axle, such as the Trotwood “Step Actio ‘shown above, made by Trotwood Trailers, Inc. surely and evenly at all speeds. Many cast off auto axles lack these necessary qualities, and as most standard trailer axle assemblies are sold at low prices, there is no reason to handicap one’s Terra Cruiser with inefficient parts. Two representative axle assemblies are indi- cated on the plans. Either type is more than satisfactory, and as legislation is being expanded enforcing the use of brakes upon trailers, the axle purchased should be machined so brakes may be added at any time not only for con- formity to the law but also for super safety. ‘The axle utilized on the Terra Cruiser is of 70- inch tread width. This is wider than standard car tread, but will occasion no difficulty as all roads are now smooth, and even those not so smooth may be traveled with comparative ease with the broader, more stable tread. The trail- er will pull more easily in loose sandy soil with the wider tread. To begin the construction, the material list of axle assembly parts should be scanned close- Fig. 3. fastening Integral bracket castings are provided for frame to Ter-Q-Les Under Chassis, made ‘by Hammer Blow Tool Company. ly. With the various parts collected, the axle assembly and wheels are set in place and the 4" x 2" x 2” x 9' lengthwise angle irons bolted in. place to the spring hangers, The center line of the wheels is measured to square the axle assembly with the angle iron frame. These measurements are indicated upon the plans. The remainder of the axle frame assembly is quite Chassis Frame and Axle Assembly All metal fastenings to be rustproof No. 4 frame 2 frame 2 frame 2 frame 1 frame angle irons.2”xi tangle irons. 2x2" xi4""x5'6 2x4" x9'0” 2x41" wooden sill ‘wooden sills ‘braces. 194'"x194" x8" 2 carage belts 12 carriage bolts - 36 lock washers 25 lock washers » 2 gross wood serows.105"" Ne 2 quarts ‘asphaltum paint 2 Ib. ‘leasoin waterproof glue 170" tread, 4” drop center axle Is and added later. 1 ball and 1 ton 1 third wheel assembly (retractable) Optional. If desired to substitute 'T & G flooring for plywood, order 24 wood floor strips T&G.9" x6" x6'6”” 7 wood floor strips T&G, .%4”"x6"x4’4"” MATERIAL AND PARTS LIST Walls, Wall Frames and Root ‘Assembly No. Parts 4 wall woo 6 wall wooden posts. 196x196" x 8 wall wooden posts. 1%9"x1%4"» posts. 194'"x194""x6'6” a 5 roof wooden beams. 15%4"x15¢"x6'6” 10 roof wooden beams. ¥4"x19¢"x8'6"” 14 roof edging strips. ...94”x8"x6'0" 1 door frame board... .1/4"x3"x10'0" 1 door corner filler. ....154'"x8"x3'0" 2 sheets plywood wall." x z 2 sheets plywood wall. .14""x48"x60" 2 shoots plywood wall. .14" x90" x84” 2 4" x30" x60" 1 Vp" x24" x68" 6 2 2 erystal window glass 2 crystal window glass. ....15!x27" 1 crystal window glass.1714"x194" 2 erystal window glass. ....19""x38” 6 gross wood screws...” No. 8 f. h. 1 gross wood screws. .56” No. 6 x. h. 15 yards heavy unbleached sheeting 2 gal. canvas or airplane coment 2 gal. alcohol or thinner for cement 1 gal, paste paint, selected color Y¥p gal. turpentine thinner as needed Vib, ‘bronze carpet tacks, 4 ounce Cabinets and Interior Fittin Ne. Parts Sizes yostarsae si x96" x84" lg 294" 1% 1M" x24" x54” 2 gross wood scrows 14” No. 7 f. h. 1 Ib. coment coated finish nails 14” 4 -window regulator arms 4 bronze window screens as specified 5 feet......continuous hinge for door 1 gutomebile door lock, with handle 24 ft, oval body molding. .9/16"x%4” 2 sols upholstered spring mattresses 1 two burner Inst Lt gasolis 1 builtin trailer icebox (enai 1 enameled stool sink and drainpipe 15 to 15 gallon water storage tank 1 marine type water pump, with hose Selected hardware to suit cabinets Selected interior paint, varnish, ‘enamel, lighting fixtures, switche Selected stop, tail and margin lights, turn indicator, connecting cable, plug. socket and water fight cover Optional, If desired to insulate, add 6 sheets insulating board. ...48”x84” 2 adjustable jack type parking leys 4 wheel blocks to hold trailer se- curely when on hill or slope. 3 sheets fir plywood. Jory—Aveust, 1940Fig. 4. Bottom view of ‘angle iron fram ‘and coupler as: Detail shows how out side sills are mortised to receive posts on side- ‘wall assembly. simple and consists of squaring the angle iron crosspieces with the lengthwise pieces at the front and rear ends of wheel wells, as shown in Fig. 4, clamping the pieces together temporarily and drilling for %” bolts. Square the frame parts and allow two inches clearance between each side of the tire and crosswise angle irons and bolt these 4" x 2" x 2" an- gle irons in place with 3" machine bolts. The ends of these angles receive and support the wheel housings later. Each end of the trailer frame is se- cured and reinforced with a 6'6”. length of %" x 2" x 2” angle iron, installed with flange .up and bolted in place with %” ma- chine bolts as_indi- cated in Fig. 4. Secure all bolts with lock washers for permanent holding. The tongue is made of two pieces of Fig. 8. Layout ‘wood "sheets u: form wall, Dimen SIDESWLS MoRTISED To Rect UpRionTs, reayan ream Fig. 6 Perspective sketch of trailer frame and axle assembly. Details show sill strips fitted to angles, ‘also composite sheet steel and wood wheel housings. Fig. 7. Side view of trailer frame assembly with floor and walls in place. Names and positions of parts, together with their arrangement, are giv ¥%4"x2"x2" angle iron, each 5'6” long, bolted in place as shown with a standard ball and socket trailer coupling adapted for use with angle iron. Your frame will be improved greatly by welding all connections where an- gles bolt together. However, this is not imperative if you do not have access to welding facilities. Floor and Wheel Housings The trailer frame is now ready for the at- tachment of wood body sills. All sills are cut from 2” x 4s, the cen- ter and outer sills be- ‘Science aNp Mecanics20uNt cueved pueces wneRe, Necess) and edge strips, Plywood batten strips must be fastened over ail joints on inside of wall. ing of fir, pine, or oak, while the sills along the spring hangers consist of a 2” x 4” ripped in the center, each half fitting inside of the trailer angle iron, as shown in the sketch at Fig. 6. Sills in contact with angle iron should be coated with asphaltum paint before attaching, clamped in place, drilled and bolted to angle irons with %4” x 214” carriage bolts. The outer sills must be shimmed underneath with small pieces of thin hardwood to make all sills even and level. Nail the shims to the sills to prevent moving. A straightedge across the sills while attaching will insure a level floor. The entire frame should now be coated with two coats of asphaltum paint for utmost protection. Laying the floor is next. This floor may be either 5-ply %4” thickness plywood or %” x 6” tongued and grooved porch flooring laid cross- wise. The original was floored with plywood, and this was laid with a seam down the center sill, while the waste cut from the sides and wheel openings was used for the rear end of the floor. Coat the under side of plywood with asphaltum paint, clamp the floor in place and fasten to the sills with 114” No. 8 fh. serews. Let the floor- ing extend about three inches over the edge of the frame, both front and rear ends. The wheel openings are now enclosed as shown in Fig. 6, and if the openings vary from the plans due to other axles being used, adapt the wheel hous- ings to the required openings. The wheel en- closures are made with %4” x 6” tongued and grooved flooring, making the inside of the en- closure.solid and cutting out the outside for conve knees NSToMES Fon cnoss BEAMS, Sore sibes tar Ne Right wall, showing changes for door - Edging strips only are notched to receive ‘ends of roof beams. Notch bot wall edg ‘at one cut. Juwy—Aveusr, 1940 FAMOUS TOR-Q-LES AXLE As Used in Building the Terra-Cruiser Many other of the vital parts used in by ra Gru ‘mantfactured by Hi ES iy Pop espe seer Taso edge of hes, COMPLETE TRAILER BUILDERS’ GUIDE AND CATALOG Onty ioe (19 Coven Postage). All about Blow itches” Beaten, Reds, Rinks, Packing Ee Dihee Sect nemmmer’ Blow bart used by large Trailer bald che who'Enow.” Bend at once, HAMMER BLOW TOOL COMPANY Dept. $-4 Wourau, Wisconsin TLL LS 2] ni 95 ron Se MATE", hs The lowest the biggest value .. «in Evinrude history! Assmart and capa- ble outboard offerin; all of Evinrude’sf features — Hooded Power = CoPilot ster ing — finger-tip con’ — Undeewaeer Silencing trouble: proof Centrifugal Pump Cooling — extraordinary starting ease — a com plete 1940 Evinrude for only $29.95! Fits any boat. ...a great motor for fish ‘ermen... .runs all day on a gallon of fuel! WRITE FOR 1940 CATALOG — FREE! New catalog describes complete line of nine 1940 es including sensational ew gnc anc eh light wight and low ot” Abo Grab of ove Ele modem, with prices starting ar f26.po- Write today. Adarens, EVINRUDE MOTORS, 4466 North 27th Steet, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Weighs only 10 pounds Costs only, 2¢ a0 hr. torun 61wheel removal. Strips measuring %4"x1%4” bind the ends of the inner enclosure boards together and are fastened with screws to the floor at the opening. The outer side of the enclosure is fast~ ened similarly. To obtain strong joints, coat the grooves of the boards with casein glue be- fore fastening, and before securing the enclosure to the floor, coat both adjoining surfaces well with asphaltum paint. The tops of the wheel enclosures are covered with galvanized sheet iron and screw fastened in place to the edges With the axle frame of the enclosure sides. Fig. 12. Trailer chassis with loft wall fitted and bolied in place. Floor and outside sills have been mortised to receive posts, Bolts go through sill. assembly finished, coat the floor with equal parts of linseed oil and turpentine, or if it is to be insulated later, coat it with asphaltum paint. Be- fore further construction work is done, set up the trailer bed where it may be built without moving and block it in a level position at the four corners. Building the Walls and Side Frames Constructing the sides is next, ‘The plans dicate details of these, and it is only necessary to lay the four sheets of plywood that comprise the sides down on a flat space, as shown in Fig. 8. Then lay out and mark the curved shape with the aid of a long thin batten sprung around so as to touch all points and saw to shape. One Science ap MecHanics 6 ae eect ten a Fig. 18. Rear view of tralier body before attach- ing root. Note arrangement of roo! beams. Every third beam is 154” square to receive both edges of joints, side will serve as a pattern for the other side. With both sides cut, mark and cut out the win- dow and door openings. It is important before the framework is attached to remember that a right and a left side are to be made with the framework on the inside of each as indicated clearly by Figs. 9 and 10. The outer edge of each side serves as a guide to enable the mark- ing to shape of the %4” x 2” edge strips. Mark and cut the inner edge parallel to the outer edge so that the strips will be two inches wide. Lay out and cut the notches for the roof beams before fastening the strips in place on the wall. Roof beams must be spaced accurately to receive the 48" widths of pressed wood. Every third roof beam is a 15%” square beam, to receive both edges of adjacent sheets. Coat these edge strips with casein glue, clamp in place and fasten with 1" No. 8 fh. screws, inserted from the outside or plywood side. The fastenings are to be spaced about three inches apart. With these border pieces in place around the edges of each trailer wall, the 136” square framing is next cut to fit, coated with glue on the side next to the trailer wall, and fastened with 1” No. 8 f.h. screws. The posts at the doorway should overlap the edge of the opening 4” on either side, to provide a ledge for the door to close against. The pieces of plywood cut from the door and window open- ings are saved for constructing these parts later. A 2" x 4" should be attached temporarily across each side of the trailer to reinforce the wall until braced and fastened to the trailer floor. Attaching the sides to the trailer platform or floor comes next. Set one wall in position so you can mark the exact position of the notches on the sills and floor. The side sills and floor are notched to receive the 154” square posts of side wall and then 4” x 414” carriage bolts are inserted through the trailer side and sill with the nut on the inside. Attach both sides similarly, although posts must be cut to fit at wheel hous- ings and doorway. At each end of the trailer Juty—Avoust, 1940gael floor, it will be necessary to attach filler pieces cut from 2” x 4”s so as to conform to the curva- ture of the sides, providing a means of attach- ing the roof covering at each end of the floor. Bolt the filler pieces to the frame and screw fasten to the plywood floor, trimming the floor even with filler pieces. With the two sides attached to the sills, plumb and brace the side walls together temporarily with wood crosspieces and proceed to fasten the roof beams in place. Pressed wood 1%” x 48” x 84” is laid crosswise to cover the roof. As Fig. 15. Details of window construction similar to that used on the door. Note how curved border ‘on frames accentuates streamlined effect of trailer. the sheets are 48” wide, this will allow a space of three roof beams on 16” centers to each sheet. The roof beams are %” x 1%" fir strips with a 1%” square crosspiece at each roof joint. ‘The procedure to follow is to attach three roof beams and then a width of pressed wood, notching the crosspieces halfway into edge pieces, coating the joints with glue, and fastening with screws. The pressed wood is fastened to the roof beams and the edges of the side walls with 1” No. 8 fh. screws spaced. about three inches apart, Con- ‘tinue in this manner until the entire roof is cov- ered. Square up and brace the sides in align- ment while attaching the pressed wood to in- sure square, even walls, Round the edges of the pressed wood smoothly and prepare for covering. Fill all screw holes and any irregularities with plastie wood or casein glue to which fine saw- dust is added, and sand all surfaces smooth. The trailer shell is covered with heavy weight muslin cemented in place with any good grade of canvas cement, Muslin 80 inches in width is tacked in place along one edge. The surface of the plywood is coated with cement, and the cloth is pressed and smoothed onto the cement with a block. Cover the sides first, then the top, lap- ping the side material over the top and bring- ing the top material even with the sides. As the cement has considerable body by itself, the ‘ScrENcE AND MrcHANtcs use of heavy canvas is not necessary, and heavy weight muslin is quite satisfactory. The sur- face of the cloth is filled by adding alcohol to the cement and coating the entire cloth surface. When it is dry, sand smooth and apply four coats of paste paint which has been thinned with tur- pentine. Leave the final finishing coats until last. These should be enamel colors of preferred shades. The roof should be painted with stand- ard exterior aluminum paint. (To be concluded in next issue) ed size for building cabin trallers are availble at 25 a set If sou wear Sit of approved source for securing tales supplies, se ue samy for our Service Bullet Adds’ al Street, Chicas = ee New Invention Helps Avoid Accidents Often, all to often, one reads news items about a father killing his child while back- ing the family auto out of the garage, or a pe- destrian struck by a backing auto, or a backing car kill- ing a child in the | street: Now how- | ever, this sort of thing need no longer happen. A clever new inven- tion enables the motorist to see the ground directly behind his aute. This is done by the simple process of look- ing into his rear-vision mirror. It is as simple as that. What the periscope is to the submarine, this new invention is to the motor ear. When used, there is absolutely no excuse for injuring A eg 8 with homem Rov a child or a dog or anything behind the auto. FREE! BOOK —Laying Canvas,” tells you how you can canvas-cover your boat easily and economically. Also ideal for Cabin Trailers—Ferdico Canvas Cement. Write to LW. Ferdinand £ Co.Ing. — Est.1873— Jury—Aveusr, 1940Fig. 31. Parked in a favorite spot, with camp gear # the variation in color scheme from that shown in and ready, assuring comfortable slo first installment, Others may be chosen. An Easily-Built Cabin Trailer Finishing the Interior Craft Print Project No. 89 Part Il OMPLETE. instruc- G tions for building the under chassis, floor, walls, and roof of this ‘cabin trailer were given in the July-Au- gust, 1940, issue of Scr- ENCE AND Mrcuantcs. Di- rections were also given for applying the fabric covering. The construc- tion of the interior fittings is completed in this issue. Cover the inside edges of the window Fig. 17, Picture drawing of framework and facing of “daveno” combination bed, with storage lockers for bed: ding and clothing Fig. 20, Throe views of dinette ‘able. ‘Top may be hinged to legs for folding away when using seats as extra bed, FPuywooo LL FRAMEWORK. pee 28 * peywoop TABLE Top. openings with 1%” x 2” strips of pressed wood. Cement the underside and screw fasten in place. The windows are made like a sandwich with the outer shell of Cae: ‘squares. \4" pressed wood, while the inner shell is the 44” plywood cut from the openings, as shown in Figs. 14 and 15 in the July- A August issue. Cut to shape as shown, 102 PLYWOOD Scrence anv MzcuanresFig. 16, Side view of completed trailer, showing door and doorway construc: tion. Full-size door allows easy en- trance while large windows provide ‘ample light and ventilation. Fig. 18. Close-up of partly finished “daveno” bed with facing panel in place, Also shows part of framing for galley. Fig. 18. Completed “daveno” bed with cushions arranged for day use as davenport. Also shows corer of gab ley worktable. Fig. 23, Close-up of dinette made up for mealtimes. Cushions have. been removed to show construction. Ample space is provided to seat four persons Fig. 26. Close-up of framing for galley nd cabinets. Joints shown are made with T. & G. flooring strips. ‘up of galley and cabi- yous space for all gal- ley equipment, food and staples, also ice box for perishables. Ocrozen, 1940 103ONT Fig. 21, Framing for dinette seat. Fig. showing plywood panel construction with strip re- 30, Picture drawing of clothes wardrobe, inforcements at comers. Top fits against root, imbed glass between the shells with cement, and use %” x 114” pressed wood strips for fillers to retain and position the glass between the shells. Fasten the window shells together with %” No. 6 rh. screws, Trim the windows to fit the open- ings. Provide a %” square stop strip behind each window and attach hinges at the tops. Screens and frames are provided to fit on the inside of the window opening with a window throwout arm working through the screen frames to ac- tuate the windows. Installing the Door ‘The doorway is fitted with fillers, or knees, as indicated in Fig. 10 of the July-August issue, and the door itself is then fitted into place. | Use separate or continuous hinges to hang door, and cover the inside edges of the door frame with RABBET ENDS CORNER Fig. 2! ment with hinged door and cover. Stove may be re- moved for cooking out doors %" pressed wood or ply- wood, the same as was done with the window. Fig. 16 gives a good view of the finished door and doorway. An auto type door handle is suggested for the door, although a regular key lock may be used. If desirable for through vision, cut the front and rear windows to line up with the windows of the tow car. Imbed these in cement and con- struet as indicated upon the plans. The interior, its fittings and arrangements allow a variety wide enough to be adaptable to any purse or purpose. The windows and outside edges may be trimmed with aluminum angle molding, and it does enhance the appearance of the exterior to trim with 3/16”x!” half oval aluminum molding after the painting is done. cross stcvion 3x2" Planning the Interior ‘The interior arrangement shown in our plan is, comparatively simple and convenient and one that has been used for years with satisfaction. The large seat at the rear is furnished with two cushions of the inner spring type. One cushion serves as a back rest; the other as a comfortable lounge, as shown in Fig. 19. The drawings and illustrations here shown are full explanation of = ” pREsDwoOD TOP DETAIL Floor ~~ 48 Fig. 24. Front view of framing and corner detail of _Fig. 25. Front view of galley panel, showing ar- Galley, with space for stove and sink. rangement of doors and drawers, with hardware. Science ano MrcnanrcsFig. 28, Extra locker space can be added above galley, in the corer of the root, if desized. the method of construction. When pushed for- ward over the lounge seat, the two cushions form a double bed. The framework for all seats and cabinets is %4"x2" strip material with one edge rabbeted as shown in detail in Figs. 17 and 24 The outer face of all cabinet work is covered with ¥%4” plywood. If round corner doors and openings are cit in all cabinets, a more uniform streamlined design, in keeping with the exterior, will be effected. The breakfast nook sides and table are the only pieces constructed of ¥2” thick- ness plywood, and incidentally, the table may be secured to the wall with regular trailer brackets and a plywood leg or nickel-plated pipe and floor flanges. The cabinet or galley contains all culinary and food storage needs and is built as indicated. ‘The top is covered with 4” pressed wood. The gal- ley is arranged to hold the regular two-burner trailer stove with removable lids in one compart- ment, Fig. 29, providing a fireproof enclosure when lined with sheet metal. The sink occupies the front top half of the cabinet and is also fitted with a pump which is connected with a 5 to 15- gallon water supply tank with baffle plates and hand hole cleanouts. This tank should preferably be located in the rear of the trailer. For ordinary purposes a 5-gallon jug will suffice. The roof ventilator is built over the stove to ventilate and carry away odors. Additional leaves of %4" ply- wood may be attached to the end of the cabinet top for greater working table space. with thick insulation material. Then a sheet metal container is inserted to hold ice and perish- ables. A drain is provided through the floor. Just to the rear of the doorway is the wardrobe, which is made to hold all articles of apparel, Fig. Ocrower, 1940 The icebox | Tests upon the floor at the front and is first lined | |x ate 30. The wardrobe door is fitted with a mirror. Cup and glass racks are provided over the cabi- net. Roof lockers are built in as needed, Fig. 28 Electrical wiring is carried in the walls. One dome light should be supplied and a wall fixture on-each side of the breakfast nook. A light over the cabinet is a convenience. The wiring should be for both 6-volt and 110-volt current. When parked at-points where this current is available, outlet plugs will enable the use of electric irons, toasters, etc. Stop and tail lights are fitted to the rear. Four red clearance lights are also fitted at the front and rear to outline the exact width of the trailer. Many states require two stop lights and a safety chain from the tow car to the trailer to insure safety. After all the interior cabinet work is completed, for better insulation, the inside may be ceiled with regular fiber wall board and all joints cov- ered with thin wood strips. ‘The inside should be finished in a bright color to aid vision. ‘The cabi- net work is stained or varnished in the natural finish or painted if so desired. The floor is cov- ered with linoleum or carpet. When parked, parking legs at the corners will be of material assistance, A retractable third wheel parking leg attached to the tongue will aid in ready ma- neuvering of the trailer with the tow car absent. Striker plates of galvanized iron should be fitted to the lower front part of the body to re- duce damage to the surface from flying stones. © Craft Pri in enlarged size for building cabin trailers are available at 25ea,ect, If you wish alist proved sources ior securing trailer supplies, send ‘Service B ce anb Mci Address ‘Ceatt s, 800 N- Clarke AME traps have been known and used for countless years. Occasionally a new model appears with features said to hold game better, bit trappers as a whole are a critical lot and not easily convinced. An escape-proof trap should recommend itself to all trappers affording easier trapping and more catches, Simple and foolproof, the escape-proof trap includes such desirable features as a delayed action guard setting after animal is caught preventing wring offs and lost catches and easy and quick setting. Science axp Mrcnantes = a _